Valduk, Keeper of the Flame MTG Card


Valduk transforms equipped artifacts into a formidable token army, maximizing on-field aggression each turn. Resourceful players can exploit Valduk’s tokens as a gateway to amplifying their deck’s resource and strategy. Elemental tokens provide versatility, posing consistent threats when Valduk is in play.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Shaman
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

At the beginning of combat on your turn, for each Aura and Equipment attached to Valduk, Keeper of the Flame, create a 3/1 red Elemental creature token with trample and haste. Exile those tokens at the beginning of the next end step.

The hammer strikes. The Flame awakens.


Cards like Valduk, Keeper of the Flame

In the dynamic landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Valduk, Keeper of the Flame has ignited quite an interest in the realm of creature-based strategies. This particular card echoes the thematic elements of other creature cards such as Champion of the Flame. Both are designed to capitalize on being equipped, triggering beneficial effects. While Valduk generates 3/1 red Elemental creature tokens, the Champion gets beefier, increasing its power and toughness for each aura and equipment attached.

Diving into the mono-red territory, we can spot comparisons with Tiana, Ship’s Caretaker. Though Tiana’s focus is on retrieving auras and equipment from the graveyard when they go to the waste heap, Valduk is all about creating immediate board presence with tokens. It’s a different approach in leveraging the equipment theme where Tiana underscores the value of recycling, whereas Valduk emphasizes explosive token generation.

Bringing another comparison is Akiri, Line-Slinger. Akiri also gains benefits from artifacts but in the form of power, not token creation. Every artifact gives Akiri an extra boost in power, making it a formidable threat. Unlike Valduk’s token generation, Akiri directly turns artifacts into offensive capability without the intermediary step of creating tokens.

Through this analytical lens, we can observe that while Valduk, Keeper of the Flame offers a unique strategy in terms of token generation, it is part of a broader spectrum of cards that interact with equipment and auras in a synergistic fashion, each with its own flavor and strategic advantage in MTG gameplay.

Champion of the Flame - MTG Card versions
Tiana, Ship's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Line-Slinger - MTG Card versions
Champion of the Flame - MTG Card versions
Tiana, Ship's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Line-Slinger - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Valduk, Keeper of the Flame by color, type and mana cost

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Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Valduk, Keeper of the Flame facilitates card advantage by creating a potentially overwhelming number of 3/1 Elemental creature tokens with trample. These tokens not only amplify your battlefield presence each turn but also turn each equipped or enchanted artifact and Aura into potential threats for your opponent to deal with.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, the generated Elemental tokens from Valduk can be leveraged in various ways to magnify resource potential. They can be a formidable army on their own, or simultaneously used with sac-outlets or other synergistic cards that benefit from numerous creature tokens to gain value or ramp up another facet of your game plan.

Instant Speed: Although Valduk himself does not operate at instant speed, he redefines combat dynamics by creating creature tokens during the beginning of combat on your turn. This means that each turn potentially presents a new wave of attackers without the need to invest additional mana, keeping your resources flexible for instant speed interactions on your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of Valduk, Keeper of the Flame is the necessity of parting with precious equipment cards to maximize its ability. Discarding can be particularly painful when your hand is already sparse, potentially setting you back in terms of available plays.

Specific Mana Cost: To cast Valduk, you need both red mana and generic mana, which means it’s not as flexible as cards with generic mana costs only. If you’re running a multi-colored deck, it might be challenging to have the right mana at the right time, making Valduk less consistently playable.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three, including a double red requirement, Valduk is somewhat pricey for its 3/2 stats. In early game stages, that mana could be spent on more efficient threats or board development. Therefore, Valduk could be seen as a tempo loss if you are unable to equip it right away or generate a sufficient number of tokens quickly.


Reasons to Include Valduk, Keeper of the Flame in Your Collection

Versatility: Valduk, Keeper of the Flame doesn’t limit itself to just one style of play. This card can shine in various red-based decks, including those that capitalize on aggressive strategies or artifact synergies. Its ability to create 3/1 Elemental tokens for each aura and equipment attached to it opens doors for numerous deck-building directions and adapts to different game scenarios.

Combo Potential: The inherent value of Valduk lies in its capacity to interact beautifully with cards that equip at little or no cost or auras that provide additional benefits. Coupled with sacrifice outlets or cards like “Goblin Bombardment,” those created Elemental tokens can become more than just attackers—they can fuel an entire strategy built around sacrificing for value.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with creature-based strategies, Valduk offers an immediate presence that demands an answer. It rewards deck builders who foresee the meta’s direction and can turn equipment and enchantments—often seen as secondary support—into primary win conditions. Plus, in a game where versatility can outmaneuver singular strategies, a card like Valduk stands out for its ability to generate multiple threats each turn.


How to beat

Valduk, Keeper of the Flame is an MTG card that can be a formidable adversary, often turning an array of equipment into an army of 3/1 Elemental tokens. To counter this relentless strategy, removal spells are your best friends. Targeted removal, like Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can efficiently dispose of Valduk before the tokens are even created. Furthermore, board wipes such as Wrath of God can clear out the tokens along with Valduk if they’ve already hit the battlefield.

Artifact removal is also a potent countermeasure. Cards like Abrade or Disenchant that specifically target artifacts can disrupt the equipment synergy and inhibit the ability of Valduk to create tokens. In addition, utilizing instant-speed spells to remove the equipment during the attacker’s combat phase before the token generation trigger can be particularly effective. By prioritizing the control of both Valduk and the equipment that empowers him, you keep the board clear and maintain the upper hand.

Ultimately, staying proactive and keeping removal options at the ready are essential tactics in overruling Valduk’s token generation strategy, ensuring this Keeper of the Flame doesn’t blaze out of control.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategy and synergy that Valduk, Keeper of the Flame brings to your MTG gameplay. Our careful analysis shows this card’s potential for explosive play, innovating classic aggressive decks with a fresh wave of elemental tokens. For enthusiasts looking to enrich their collections, Valduk’s versatility and combo potential provide a gateway to a multitude of strategic layers. To counteract its downsides, we recommend coupling it with cost-effective equipment and proficient mana management. As the MTG landscape continuously evolves, adding a card like Valduk could be a game-changer for your arsenal. Uncover more insights and tactics with us and summon the full might of the Keeper of the Flame.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Valduk, Keeper of the Flame MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Dominaria Promos, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Valduk, Keeper of the Flame and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Valduk, Keeper of the Flame Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-04-27DominariaDOM 1482015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
22018-04-27Dominaria PromosPDOM 148s2015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
32023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 3331997NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
42023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 1472015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
52023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 242015NormalBlackTyler Crook
62023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 154z2015NormalBlackTyler Crook
72023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 892015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
82023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 1542015NormalBlackTyler Crook
92023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2662015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Valduk, Keeper of the Flame has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Valduk, Keeper of the Flame card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-12-08 If Valduk leaves the battlefield after its ability has resolved, the tokens are still exiled at the beginning of the next end step.
2022-12-08 If Valduk leaves the battlefield after its ability has triggered but before it resolves, use the number of Auras and Equipment that were last attached to it before it left the battlefield to determine how many tokens to create.
2022-12-08 Valduk counts all Auras and Equipment attached to it, not only Auras and Equipment you control.